City of West Haven

The Municipal Development Plan for West Haven aims to revitalize Downtown by creating a stronger mixed-use character, fostering economic and job growth, and enhancing its role as the communal and cultural heart of the city. Key focus areas include facilitating new residential development, encouraging social cohesion through improved public spaces, attracting new business investment, diversifying attractions for regional visitorship, and strengthening regional connections. The plan outlines strategies for redevelopment, public space enhancements, streetscape improvements, zoning recommendations, and regional connectivity.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on subcommittee reports. For Clean Energy Community Outreach, the commission agreed to target June or July for the UI Office Hours event to coincide with high energy usage. Energy efficiency presentations were proposed for the Senior Center and library in March and May, with suggestions to target property managers. The commission also discussed the implications of implementing the tax polluter bill. Under Old Business, updates were provided on the offshore wind project serving Connecticut and Rhode Island, potential for increased nuclear power, and the benefits and challenges of various state solar programs (RRES, NRES, SCF), particularly regarding plug-in solar for renters. Emphasis was placed on energy affordability and the need for public education. New Business included finalizing the date for the public event at City Hall and investigating the timeline for public use of the EV charging stations at City Hall.

Key discussions included correspondence regarding a Boating Safety Course partnership with the Coast Guard and a welcome letter to a new commissioner. Maintenance updates covered the near completion of ejector pump repairs, the ongoing process of obtaining HVAC quotes, scheduling Notre Dame baseball games at Noyes Park, and securing funding for a new fence at Eco Park for spring installation. Furthermore, funding was secured for a lifeguard station at Sea Bluff Beach. A discussion on the Rules and Regulations was deferred to the subsequent meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included the organization of the Energy Commission through the unanimous re-election of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and election of a new Secretary. Subcommittee reports covered updates on EV charging stations and the potential for new grocery stores, and Sustainable CT internships. Old business addressed planning for bill help events in February and April, the Energize CT Community Partnership program, and inquiring about the accessibility of the City Hall EV charger. New business involved an update on the CT League of Conservation Voters Summit, focusing on solar, geothermal, and energy efficiency policy initiatives, and a legislative update concerning customer affordability and potential extensions or successors to the NRES and RRES programs.

The Regular Meeting and Public Hearing addressed several significant agenda items. Key discussions included a Public Hearing for the expansion of the Medical Regional Operation Center at 600 Derby Avenue by Yale New Haven Services Corporations, involving site plan, special permit, and resource removal approvals for a new specialty pharmacy facility. This involved detailed testimony regarding traffic, storm drainage, and building design, culminating in conditional approval. A second Public Hearing reviewed a Special Permit and Site Plan Review for repurposing an existing school at 66 Tetlow Street into 20 residential units (AKA The Blake). Finally, the Commission approved a revision to a previously approved Site Plan for 371-375 Derby Avenue concerning a smaller building design and a full-size outdoor tennis court for the Tennis Foundation of CT and New HYTES. Staff reported an upcoming regulation change for March 10th.